What Questions to Ask Prior to a Root Canal

Posted on 8/10/2016 by Jeffery Gerhardt

The words "root canal" often cause immense anxiety among dental patients. Hearing that you require one is likely to cause you some form of discernment. The truth is, despite the bad press involving root canals, the procedure is not all that bad. Root canals are meant to relieve pain, not cause it.

Root canals are done to remove infected tissue, nerves and pulp from an infected tooth in an effort to prevent the spread of infection and of course, relieve pain. If your dentist recommends a root canal do not despair. You ought to be relieved that there is a procedure that can offer you relief from the likely extreme pain that you have been suffering.

Questions to Ask Your Dentist Before a Root Canal

Sometimes being more informed about a procedure will offer relief from the anxiety that you might be experiencing. For this reason, we have put together a list of questions for you to ask your dentist before you undergo a root canal procedure.

1.

Why am I a good candidate for root canal treatment?

2.

Will it hurt?

3.

What will happen if I do not get the procedure?

4.

Do I have any other treatment options available to me, besides a root canal?

5.

How long will the entire process take, from start to finish?

6.

How many visits will be required before and after the procedure?

7.

How long is the recovery time?

8.

Will I immediately be relieved of my pain once the procedure is over?

9.

What type of anesthesia is the procedure performed under?

10.

How long will my root canal and natural tooth last after the procedure?

11.

Will I need to get a second treatment?

12.

What risks are associated with root canal treatment?

13.

How much will the procedure and office visits cost total?

14.

Will my natural tooth be strong enough to exist on its own or will it require a crown?

15.

Can I expect the infection to come back?

If you have been told that you require root canal treatment bring this list of questions with you to your consultation to help ease any anxieties that you might have about the procedure.